PTI Post Questions

Post Questions: 15-31
1. Junior says Indians should be better liars. What is the context? Why does he say this? Explain the implications of this.
2. On what does Junior blame their poverty? Refer back to the explanation of his parents.
3. Why does Junior say “it sucks to be poor…” (13)? What does “poverty teach you”? Explain.
4. What is “absolutely the saddest thing in the world”?  Explain why Junior says this and the implication.
5. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 32-47
1. Interpret/explain/explore the context and significance of the quote “We were supposed to kill the Indian to save the child” (35).
2. What is Mr. P’s advice to Junior? Why does he give this advice?
3. Interpret/explore/explain the context and the significance of the quote “Every white person on this res should get smashed in the face. But let me tell you this. All the Indians should get smashed in the face, too.” (42)
4. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 48 - 73
1. Interpret/explore/explain the context and the significance of the quote “I don’t know if hope is white. But I do know that hope for me is like some mythical creature” (51).
2. In Junior’s mind, what is a “real Indian”? How does this impact him?
3. Why is Junior hesitant to tell Rowdy? Why does he tell him? How does Rowdy react? Why does he react this way?
4. Name/explain three issues/hurdles Junior encounters in his transition to Reardon.
5. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 74- 97
1. Describe how Penelope treats Junior – provide two specific examples. How does this relationship contribute to Junior’s understanding of himself/his identity?
2. On pages 82-84, Junior explains how alone he feels. Why does he feel this way? How does what happens in science class reinforce this feeling?
3. Explain the significance/importance of the friendship with Gordy for Junior.
4. Explain/respond/interpret these quotes:
            “My sister’s spirit hadn’t been killed” (91).
            “If you’re good at something, and you love it, and it helps you navigate the world, then it can’t be   wrong” (95).
5. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 98-117
1. Explore the irony of the discussion about Thanksgiving.
2. Explain/explore Junior’s interaction with Rowdy’s dad. What are the implications? And what does Junior resolve/decide?
3. On pages 107-109, Junior tells us more about Penelope, and he learns her secret. Explain this situation and why he says “…she’s scared all the time, but nobody will let her be scared…” (108).
4. Sum up Rowdy and Junior’s discussion of Penelope (113-116). Why does Rowdy call Junior racist? Is he right?
5. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 118-132
1. In what ways does Junior feel he needs to "pretend"? Why is this so difficult for Junior? Be specific in your answer. Use detail.
2. Junior says that the night of the Winter Formal was one of the "best nights of his life." Why? Explain. Do you think it could be a great night, but also confusing for Junior at the same time? Why?
3. On page 132, Gordy says: "Well, life is a constant struggle between being an individual and being a member of the community." Explain this quote and how it relates to Junior, and also to a main theme in the novel.
4. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 133 – 158
1. How did Junior make the basketball team? In what ways was this related to his conversation with his dad earlier?
2. Who is the first game against? How is he treated by the crowd at the first game? How does the team (and coach) react/support him? How does this impact him?
3. In “Red Versus White” what does Junior realize about parents? What is the irony?
4. What was Junior’s grandmother’s greatest gift? What has happened to Indians’ sense of tolerance? Why has that occurred?
5. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 159 – 178
1. Why does Junior say he would always love his tribe? What do you think this reveals about Junior?
2. In the last sentence on page 167, Junior says: "And all of us laughed as we walked and drove and rode our way back to our lonely, lonely houses." What is the irony in this? Why is this such a powerful moment for Junior? What is he saying about his tribe?
3. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 179 – 198
1. Summarize the cartoon on 182. What is the significance? What does it show about Junior? What is his dilemma?
2. Summarize the outcome of the game. Why does Junior cry at the end? What does he realize?
3. Explain the humor/irony of the title of the chapter, “Rowdy and I Have a Long and Serious Discussion About Basketball.”
4. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 199 - 214
1. In this time of grief, why do you think Junior laughs so much? What are the specific moments he laughs the hardest?
2. What does Rowdy say to Junior? Why does he say this? Do you think there is truth in this?
3. Why does Junior feel he wants to get back to school? What happens when he gets there?
4. Free response/guiding question

Post Questions: 215 - end
1. Interpret/explain/explore the context and significance of the last line of the book (230).
2. Why does Junior cry on pages 216 and 217?
3. What does Junior realize about his own identity, his life and Rowdy (these are all different)?
4. Free response/guiding question